How Are Your Wrapping Skills?

This past year I was blessed to have had opportunities to volunteer at a couple of wonderful charities and community centers. 

There are many benefits to volunteering:

1)    You meet the most courageous people.

2)    It reminds you to count your blessings.

3)    It makes you see just how small you are in this big, big world.

4)    You make a difference in the lives of others (even if it’s just one person.)

5)    It feels AMAZING!

If you’re unable to donate money (like me ;) ), you can still donate your time and give of your heart to help give people back their humanity.  I’m talking about the basics here - food and shelter.  You can find a local food bank in your community and ask them if you can help in any way.  Don’t put limits on how you can help.  If you can help serve food, mop the floors, separate the bulk food, etc., do it.  Go into it with an open mind and open heart.  I promise you, you will grow as a human being.  

Especially now that the holiday season is upon us, and so many people are struggling financially, kindness is of the utmost importance. 

On to the my wrapping skills…  I was very excited to hear about volunteer opportunities at Shelter Our Sisters.  Shelter Our Sisters is a New Jersey based organization that helps women and children who are the victims of domestic violence.  There are multiple ways you can help, but I have chosen to volunteer in their holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser.  I’ll be wrapping presents for patrons at a mall for a couple of hours and all donations will go directly to the women and children at Shelter Our Sisters.  Hopefully, they will donate before they see the finished product.  It’s been a while since I’ve wrapped a present that had to look pretty.

The dates, times and locations are listed on their website, along with other ways to help.  (Please note: I HATE dislike malls!  If I can do this, anyone could!) 

Don't get me wrong, I love my iPod, couldn’t survive without my GPS, am rather fond of my DVD player, and would do illegal things to someone if they damaged my laptop!  The bottom line is, life is about people.  It's true that here are some stinky people out there, but, I've learned that most people have the best of intentions and are inherently good.  

Reach out this holiday season.  Smile at a stranger.  Help an elderly person carry their groceries.  All that good stuff. 

You never know what someone is going through…  kindness is contagious!  

How does a vegetarian spend Thanksgiving?

I officially became a vegetarian on October 20^th of this year, and, so, have just experienced my very first Thanksgiving without eating turkey.  It was strange.  There sat the turkey just to the right of the candied sweet potatoes, looking shiny and golden.  Turkey with gravy or cranberry sauce has always been one of my favorite meals.  It felt odd to not miss eating it, although I did miss the feeling of tradition.  I guess as I learn more about being a vegetarian, I need to begin my own traditions.  Any ideas?

It has been a difficult year!  I tried hard to think about what I was thankful for.

Here are a few things I came up with besides my family and friends:

Ø    My father making it through all four surgeries and slowing making his way back.

Ø    Bella’s (my golden retriever) seizures/anxiety attacks finally being under control

Ø    Flavored coffee

Ø    A roof over my head

Ø    Fantastic writers/books

Ø    My library

Did I mention it has been a REALLY difficult year?  I’ll be happy to say goodbye to 2010!

Tonight's dinner was on the healthier side.  

Grilled veggies included broccoli, eggplant and carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bottom tray had sweet potato and parsnip fries sprinkled with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and cloves.  

Veggies were eh..  fries were delicious.  Baked both at 400 degrees for 40 minutes but I think the carrots needed more time. 

Also made some grilled tofu with honey.

First I wrapped the tofu in a paper towel and pressed between two dishes to get out the excess liquid.  You can use anything with a little weight to it to help squeeze out as much liquid as possible.   Then I put it on my George Foreman grill for 10 minutes.  I love my GF grill!  Yum!

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving.  Gobble, Gobble!

Sad News...

Saturday night I noticed that my guinea pig, Lovey (aka LoveBug), hadn't eaten her tomatoes and carrots.  I was immediately concerned because she would normally munch up all her veggies and then squeak for more.  I took all the veggies out just incase she decided to eat them and they started to go bad.  Then yesterday she didn't eat her veggies again and was really mushy.  I tried feeding her with a syringe (I happen to have it from the last time she got sick and I had to use it to feed her.)  I mixed this green superfood powder I have with a little bit of water and put tang in her drinking water and fed her as much as I could of both.  Sadly, this didn't help...
Today my heart is heavy as I say goodbye to Lovey.  She was almost 7 years old and gave me a lot of joy with her sweeter than sweet disposition and little miss diva attitude.

Lovey is on the left .  She looked like an Oreo with her black face and booty and white body.  Taz is on the right.  He passed away about 5 years ago.

My two girls.  Here is Lovey lying on the bed with my golden retriever, Bella.  See what I mean by Lovey looking like an Oreo?  A double stuffed Orea, at that.

Rest in peace, Lovey.  You will be missed.